Cannabis Edibles, Drinks Will Mark ‘Second Wave’ of Legalization

Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, producers are looking forward to what they’re calling the “second wave” of legalization — edibles, drinks and vaping products expected to become legal starting next year.

Bruce Linton, the founder and co-CEO of Canopy Growth, said new products developed by Tweed — the cannabis brand owned by Canopy and based in Smiths Falls — represent the next big opportunity.

“I think if you’re not preparing things two years in advance, you’re never ready,” he said.

“Right now, none of the chocolate or gummy bears or beverages can be prepared or sold, but we’re doing experiments on how to make them.”

Recreational cannabis became legal on Oct. 17, though only dried and fresh cannabis, oil, plants and seeds are allowed under the legislation.

The federal government has said edibles containing cannabis and cannabis concentrates would be legal on or before Oct. 17, 2019.